Russian GPS signal suppression operations in the Baltic Sea comprehensively documented by Polish researchers following the Russian attack on Ukraine, according to The Insider, citing Defense News.
In the wake of the Russian attack on Ukraine, several countries have expressed concern over the interference of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals in the Baltic Sea, which they consider a form of hybrid warfare. Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany have officially declared this interference as a form of Russian hybrid warfare.
The focus on the Baltic Sea is particularly significant due to the presence of the Okunevo antenna complex, located on the central coast of Kaliningrad. Electronic warfare units are stationed at this complex, and it is believed that the signals interfering with the GNSS originate from this area.
In response, the Baltic states, along with other EU countries, have intensified the monitoring of GNSS interference through coordinated civil-military efforts. Finland’s National Land Survey, for instance, is developing and testing tools specifically to counter Russian GPS jamming, with special attention to regions near Russia’s border. There is also a push for shared monitoring and data exchange among EU member states, with the number of detected interference cases rising sharply.
To mitigate the risks, efforts are being made to strengthen navigation infrastructure. Thirteen EU member states have called on the European Commission to accelerate the deployment of interference-resistant GNSS services, advocating for the anti-spoofing features of the Galileo satellite system and the modernization of conventional navigation infrastructure. Improved cooperation between civilian and military agencies is also being prioritized to ensure timely response and resource sharing.
International advocacy is another key aspect of the response. Baltic states, Finland, Poland, France, the Netherlands, and Ukraine have lodged complaints with the UN regarding Russia’s GPS interference activities. These complaints have engaged several UN agencies, including the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization.
NATO has also taken a stance, openly accusing Russia of using electronic warfare, including GPS jamming and spoofing, as part of hybrid warfare operations. While specific NATO operational responses are not detailed publicly, the alliance is understood to be involved in coordinating defense strategies with affected member states, including enhanced electronic warfare training and the development of countermeasures.
However, it's important to note that a proposal to storm Okunevo and Kaliningrad, a target for a proposed "safari on Russians," has been made, but it is not a recognized military operation by any recognized military force. The proposal does not appear to have official backing and is met with potential danger, as Russia has the right to defend itself. When informed that Russia could respond with force, the number of volunteers significantly decreased.
These combined efforts aim to mitigate the risks to both military and civilian navigation systems and to maintain operational safety in the Baltic region. The goal is to ensure the region remains stable and secure amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
References: [1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-accused-of-gps-jamming-in-baltic-sea-2021-12-07/ [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59318330 [3] https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2021/12/baltic-states-ramp-up-efforts-counter-russian-gps-jamming/178114/ [5] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/12/10/nato-accuses-russia-of-using-gps-jamming-as-hybrid-warfare-in-baltic-sea/ [2][3] Finnish National Land Survey, unpublished data, 2025.
- The interference with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals in the Baltic Sea, believed to be from Russian electronic warfare units, has sparked concern over the potential use of technology in war-and-conflicts.
- In light of this, there have been calls for strengthening navigation infrastructure through the deployment of interference-resistant GNSS services, such as the anti-spoofing features of the Galileo satellite system, and the modernization of conventional navigation infrastructure.
- Politics plays a significant role in this situation, with various countries, including Baltic states, Finland, Poland, France, the Netherlands, and Ukraine, lodging complaints with the UN and NATO taking a stance against Russia's suspected use of GNSS interference in medical-conditions, like maritime safety and air traffic control, and general-news reporting.
